The Year of Moving Forward

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Wins and Losses

October 11 is National Coming Out Day, and is a good day for men and women to evaluate their lives, and if they are gay, to come out, at first to themselves, and later to others.

Coming out is a difficult process for many, but acknowledging one is gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender is the first step. Hey, it’s OK. You’re OK.

But don’t think that once you come out, it’s all over. It’s a continuing process. As you meet new people, some may be interested, some may be offended. You may choose not to tell some people because it could cost you, you may choose to write a book and tell the world.

Those are just some thoughts. I am not a counselor or therapist and am not really giving advice. Well, yes I am. My advice is: Feel good about yourself. You are who you are.

Here’s a loss.

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has refused to issue a proclamation recognizing National Coming Out Day. After her remarks in the vice presidential debate, in which she said "If there's any kind of suggestion at all from my answer that I would be anything but tolerant of adults in America choosing their partners, choosing relationships that they deem best for themselves, you know, I am tolerant, and I have a very diverse family and group of friends.” So Alaskans Together for Equality asked her to proclaim. But, alas, she refused, even though in October she has issued proclamations for Careers in Construction Week, 10th Annual Christian Heritage Week, Biomedical Technician Week, Alaska Taiwan Friendship Week, World Farm Animals Day, Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and Grand Opening of Rilke Schule Day.

Here’s a win.

The Supreme Court of Connecticut has ruled that same sex marriage is legal. Now there are three states offering full equality in marriage. Which state will be next?

Here’s a loss.

McDonald’s caved in to the anti-gays and will no longer support the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Well I can live without a Big Mac.

6 comments:

Joe, If a group of people who were behind the movement to make Charles Manson's birthday a national hoilday asked you to proclaim it, would you? I'm sure people in office get asked to proclaim or speak about things on a daily basis. In that position you can't say yes to everyone. If it is something near and dear to you, sure you might be more inclined to do it. Gay rights and the pompus "you owe me" attitudes of most of the people pushing them are not near and dear to everyone! It is a persons choice to back a certain set of ideals or issues and it looks as if she chose not to. Like many Americas she just don't give a damn! That certainly does not make her less of a person or vice president.

Anonymous: How stupid to compare National Coming Out Day to Charles Manson's birthday. That almost made me not read the rest of your comment. But I did. You are right when you say "she just don't give a damn." Fifty years ago, many just didn't give a damn about the rights of blacks either.

Exactly my point! You wouldn't proclaim Charles Manson's Birthday! And she didn't do it for Gay day! Alot of people didn't give a crap about the plight of blacks but the blacks got things done without the people who didn't agree with them! I think the gays will do just fine without the people who disagrre with them! Now put your big boy pants on and have a great day!

Learn some history. You said "blacks got things done without the people who didn't agree with them." A more accurate statement would "blacks got things done IN SPITE of the people who didn't agree with them." But they DID have the support of people who were unlike them yet agreed with them, i.e. whites who eneded up on the right side of history by doing the right thing. Palin will end up on the wrong side of history as she does the wrong thing, because IN SPITE of people like her, and you, equality will occur.